Carmel Campground

Star4.74
26 reviews
Carmel Campground, Manila, UT 84046, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$13 - $20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 13 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Ashley National Forest site

Official Website
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Carmel Campground
$13.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range between $13-$20 per night for single units, depending on the season.
Standard Site Fee$13.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and helpful staff. The scenic location near rock cliffs and Sheep Creek is often praised."

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Campground Map

Carmel Campground, Manila, UT 84046, USA

Carmel Campground

Carmel Campground, Manila, UT 84046, USA

Driving directionsDrive 3 miles south of Manila, Utah on UT-44 and turn right on Forest Service Road 218, Sheep Creek Geological Loop Road. Head west for 6 miles to the Palisades Picnic Site.
Access is via dirt and gravel roads. The parking aprons and interior roads within the campground are also dirt, and are described as rough, making navigation potentially challenging for some vehicles.
Nearby places
Manila - 3 miles
Nearby supplies
Marinas and lodges within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offer supplies ranging from groceries to firewood. Specific lodges include Flaming Gorge Lodge, Red Canyon Lodge, and Spirit Lake Lodge.

Best Time to Camp at Carmel Campground

From May through September, Carmel Campground awakens with perfect camping weather, welcoming visitors with comfortable temperatures that dance between crisp 31°F mornings and pleasant 65°F afternoons. These golden months offer endless blue skies and gentle breezes ideal for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. As autumn fades, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall make this season best admired from afar or by the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Peak season May–Sept; boating, fishing, hiking and warm days make summer excellent.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in UT

Late-summer/early-fall kokanee spawning and crisp temps make fall a highlight.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; cooler mornings and some seasonal limitations early in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 13–Sept 17; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May-September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 13 through September 17, weather dependent.

About Carmel Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Carmel Campground offers adventurers a tranquil retreat where simplicity meets natural splendor. Here, beneath towering cliffs and rustling cottonwoods, you'll find everything needed for an authentic outdoor experience—sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals under the stars, fire rings perfect for evening storytelling, well-maintained vault toilets, and convenient trash disposal. This hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.
Carmel Campground offers a mix of primitive tent sites and combined sites suitable for small RVs.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 16 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Carmel Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic views of the Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Seasonal activities such as observing Kokanee salmon spawning add vibrant wildlife experiences.
HikingHiking trails are available and provide access to caves and natural wonders within the Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Nearby trails include Bear Canyon/Bootleg (1.5 miles), Canyon Rim (4 miles), and more.
FishingFishing is available in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Green River. Fish species include Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Utah Chub, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass.
BikingUser reviews suggest scenic bike rides in the Sheep Creek Scenic Byway, particularly during morning or evening hours.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Sheep Creek Bay of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, with both motorized and non-motorized options. A boat ramp is provided.
Wildlife viewingSeasonal wildlife viewing includes vibrant Kokanee salmon spawning in late August through September.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive displays are available at the campground, enhancing appreciation of the surrounding area. Seasonal interpretive programs are provided at different locations.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe rough dirt roads within the campground may pose a challenge for navigation. No potable water is available, and wildlife like bears may be nearby, requiring food storage precautions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Carmel Campground

Reviews

4.7
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Carmel Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and helpful staff. The scenic location near rock cliffs and Sheep Creek is often praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean bathrooms, a peaceful ambiance, and proximity to scenic areas such as Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Visitors appreciated the stargazing opportunities and friendly...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

No major complaints were noted in the reviews provided.
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend exploring nearby hiking trails and caves, as well as cycling in the Sheep Creek Scenic Byway during cooler parts of the day.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest late summer as ideal for viewing Kokanee salmon spawning. Morning and evening hours are preferred for outdoor activities during hotter periods.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing little campground! The bathrooms were kept clean and stocked and the family that tends to the campground were super nice." - Jen M "Fantastic! Amazing location with creek and rock cliff...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews addressing particular sites were provided.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessibility is limited as wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash per campground regulations.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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